On the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, in the small town of Emerald Isle…

Juli Cooke, hard-working and getting nowhere fast, marries a dying man, Ben Bradshaw, for a financial settlement, not expecting he will set her on a journey of hope and love. The journey brings her to Luke Winters, a local art dealer, but Luke resents the woman who married his sick friend and warns her not to hurt Ben—and he’s watching to make sure she doesn’t.

Until Ben dies and the stakes change.

Framed by the timelessness of the Atlantic Ocean and the brilliant blue of the beach sky, Juli struggles against her past, the opposition of Ben’s and Luke’s families, and even the living reminder of her marriage—to build a future with hope and perhaps to find the love of her life—if she can survive the danger from her past.

Grace is giving away an eBook copy of BEACH RENTAL. To get your name in the drawing, all you have to do is leave a comment. A winner will be chosen at random and will be notifiied via email. Please leave an email addy if it is not available on your profile.

Please tell us about yourself and what made you start writing?

I’ve always been a big reader and, for many readers, at some point that translates into a desire to write a story.  In fact, I’ve written all of my life, completing a novel and some short stories over the years, but until I found the writing communities online, and via those, writing groups in my geographic area, it was very much an on and off effort. About five years ago, I picked up writing again and vowed not to give up despite rejections. With the help of my critique partners and writing buddies, I’ve kept going.  That first novel is in a cardboard box; the novel I wrote five years ago waits on an external hard drive for a rewrite.  Beach Rental is actually my fourth novel. My third, Kincaid’s Hope, will be released in January 2012, also by Turquoise Morning Press.

For most of my life, creative expression has been a war between writing and artistic output. Oh, for more time in the day! Writing and drawing and painting, textile crafts and needlework, photography and graphic art…even choosing the right color of paint and putting it on the wall just so, can be a creative event. Everything around us feeds the writing or the design. And all that we take in from the world strives for expression. At this time in my life, I think I’ve found the best balance of both art and fiction, but it’s always good to stay flexible!

How long did it take before you were published? Was it everything that you thought it would be?

Beach Rental was released in July. It’s been an educational experience, for sure. How long did it take to find publication? I’d have to begin the count five years ago. For Beach Rental, specifically, which was written throughout most of 2010, the contract offer came in December of 2010.

It’s been an education and adventure and certainly full of highs and lows. I learned that finding publication only sets up a whole new set of goals and worries, triumphs and fears. The editing needed before publication and the marketing post-publication competes with the need to be writing the next book. Perhaps it would be easier if I didn’t work a fulltime job besides, but I’m not sure of that. Sometimes we use our time better if we have less of it to waste.

Do you love the ePublishing / small press platform and are you going to pursue traditional publishing in the future?

For a new author, I think the small press platform may be the gentlest introduction to publishing, although that’s just a guess since I haven’t experienced a release with a traditional publisher.  I’d like to find out how it goes with a traditional publisher. A big benefit of a small press is the individual attention given to the writer and having a direct line to the publisher. In fact, my publisher contracted for my books and later signed me as a cover artist, too. I can use my art background and graphic skills and my writing, too! Is that the best of both worlds, or what?!?

Can you tell us a little bit your new release? How did you come up with the idea?

I spent a holiday down at Emerald Isle on the Bogue Banks in North Carolina. One week at a duplex on the ocean, what a setting! The island of Bogue Banks lies east/west. You walk to the sunrise in the morning and to the sunset in the evening. I’m a dedicated beach walker, so that’s hard to beat.

I had a setting, but not a story or characters.

I met a young woman who would have had lots of potential if she’d grown up differently. People are more than genetics—we are also products of our environment. And then several of my friends died of pancreatic cancer. They were full of love and life and were the epitome of selflessness during their last months. I wondered what would happen if I brought a dying man together with the girl who had no prospects for a happy future? What could he bring to the relationship that would impact her life and future in an enduring way and what gifts could she give him?

You’re an artist, what types of work do you do and in what way do you incorporate your love of art into your writing?

I sketched in pencil and painted in oils for many years, then shifted to photography and digital art.  But working a fulltime job and writing as a second fulltime job doesn’t leave much time for anything else. Perhaps because my art doesn’t find much expression otherwise, it shows up in my books. In Beach Rental, Luke owns an art gallery (I always wanted to do that) and Juli takes art lessons from Anna at Ben’s urging. Art is venue through which Juli gains confidence in herself and where she also finds comfort when the challenges mount.

Do you have a daily ritual to get you in the “writing zone”?

I work my day job during the week and write in the evenings and on weekends and holidays. I don’t have a ritual or process for writing in the evening. I just jump into it in the best way I can. But on Saturday morning, I stay in my jammies and park my butt in my desk chair and start writing and keep writing for as long as I can. Once I’m dressed and looking respectable, I’m too easily distracted.

How do you stay inspired?

Honestly, I don’t. It’s often a struggle. Sometimes I feel uninspired and, as Rachel in Wynnedower’s Stranger (my WIP) says, “I feel as flat as a blowup snowman with a bad leak on a cold morning.” Generally, something comes along—an intriguing person, an interesting setting or a concept that digs it’s sharp little teeth into my imagination and won’t let go. Faith is the most important thing, I think—the knowledge that just when I think I’m almost on empty, something else always comes along. Faith keeps the panic at bay.

What is the most difficult part of your writing journey? What is the most exciting part?

Writing and writing. Some days it’s exhilarating; some days it’s grim. Beyond that, the most difficult part for me is sending my work out to face rejection or acceptance. Sometimes the what-ifs are overwhelming. The best advice I can give is to follow your heart and head. First person or third? Too much narration? Breaking rules? Remember, you can’t satisfy everyone at any time. Just do your best, protect yourself from naysayers and sustain your hope and faith.

What personal goals have you made for yourself this year?

Survive my debut release. Complete my WIP. Complete revisions on my upcoming release. Do all of the aforementioned and also market my current release. Last and most elusive: Stay sane.

Those all sound like writing goals, don’t they? Except the last one. So, I guess my person goal this year is to stay sane.

Any last words for your readers?

Beach Rental, Kincaid’s Hope, and Wynnedower’s Stranger are books about people and relationships foremost, but strong settings and suspense are also important to me. I hope you’ll give these books a try (Kincaid’s Hope in late January) and will let me know your thoughts. I want these stories to move the reader and if the characters linger after the last page has been read, then I’ll be thrilled. It’s reader feedback that keeps me going in those uninspired or difficult times. Thanks to everyone who’s let me know they enjoyed Beach Rental!

What should we expect from you in the future?

Fiction with romance, suspense and inspiration, always with a strong heroine at its heart…Please visit me at www.GraceGreeneAuthor.com

Grace Greene writes fiction with romance, suspense and inspiration, always with a strong heroine at its heart. Vivid settings and quirky secondary characters round out the stories and there’s a happily-ever-after ending—most of the time.

Grace is also an artist and photographer. She is drawn to houses and landscapes that ooze character and is fascinated by history and human nature. When she’s writing, all of these interests show up on the page.

BEACH RENTAL is her debut release. Her next novel, KINCAID’S HOPE, is scheduled for release in January 2012. In KINCAID’S HOPE, Beth Kincaid finds that swearing off the Kincaid temper and creating the perfect life free from untidy emotionalism has its own dangers and can even get you killed.

A Virginia native, Grace lives in central Virginia. Stay current with Grace’s releases and appearances at www.GraceGreeneAuthor.com

Nancy Naigle writes love stories from the crossroad of small town and suspense. After spending most of her life on the Virginia coast, she and her husband left Tidewater for greener pastures a little further inland in Southampton County. They now live on a 76 acre goat farm where Nancy spends every spare moment working on her next book.

To learn more about Nancy, visit her online at:
www.nancynaigle.com

How long have you been writing before you sold?

I’ve been writing seriously toward publication since 2005. That was the year I’d joined RWA and went to my first RWA national conference. It was in Atlanta, GA that year and just so happened to fall on my birthday. That trip was what I gave myself as a present that year. I made a lot of friends that weekend that I still chat with today, and many are now published! So, long story short….it took me from July 2005 to May 2011 for my first novel to get into a readers hands.

What has been the toughest obstacle you’ve had to overcome along the way?

The toughest thing for me has been that publishing is like no other business I’ve been in or run. It’s been one eye-opening experience for me. Let me explain. You see, by day I’m a Senior Vice President with Bank of America. I’m used to planning what I’m going to do to achieve success, then following that plan. That’s all fine and good except that’s not really how it works in the publishing business. It moves S-L-O-W and, at the same time with the advent of e-pubs, is changing in ways folks never imagined. But I’m no quitter. I have my pile of rejections, but I learned from each one and knew that every bad news email was one step closer to the “yes” I’d eventually get. I firmly believed that as long as I didn’t quit, I would be published. I think you have to believe in yourself before anyone else will.

Tell us about your latest book.

I write love stories from the crossroad of small town and suspense. My characters have flaws just like you and I. They’ll probably even feel familiar. The quirky characters are probably going to remind you of that crazy aunt or the black sheep brother of your best friend in college. Hopefully, they will tickle memories of people from your own past, and you’ll feel like you already know them.

What’s up next for you?

I’m so glad you asked that! My second book in the Adams Grove series is OUT OF FOCUS and it will be available in November. It’s my fav-fav-favorite.

Here’s the blurb:

Kasey Phillips thought her biggest problem was deciding whether to photograph Cody Tuggle’s honky-tonkin’ tour, until an accident on Route 58 claims the life of her husband. In a desperate race against time as a hurricane threatens the eastern seaboard, they search for her three-year-old son who is missing from the wreckage, but someone knows more than they are telling.

This is the book that I won several contests with including:

1st Place :: Mainsteam/Literary Category :: 2010 Maryland Writers Association Novel Contest
1st Place :: Mainsteam Category :: CT-RWA The WRITE Stuff
2010 Finalist :: Single Title Category :: Silicon Valley RWA Gotcha! Contest
2010 Finalist :: Novel w Romantic Elements :: San Diego RWA SPRING INTO ROMANCE Contest

Are you currently working on a new book?

I am. I have another Adams Grove story in the works and a young adult titled inkBLOT that is coming out later this month that I co-authored with Phyllis C. Johnson under the pen name Johnson Naigle. inkBLOT, it’s a neat story abouta teen entrepreneur, Ronnie Wright, who owns an inkBLOT game site. When a string of high-profile crimes have one common link – inkBLOT – Ronnie becomes the prime suspect. He has to find a way to clear his name and expose the real criminal.

What do you like best about the writer’s life?

The best part since I’ve been published is hearing from readers. I collect antique handkerchiefs and boy have I had a use for them. I swear I cry weekly over the kind words I receive. (Hugs ya’ll!!)

If you weren’t a writer what would career path would you choose? I have a career.

Yep…that full-time position as a Senior Vice President with Bank of America is a wonderful career. I’ve been with the bank for over 15 years. I even won their Award of Excellence as a leader (an honor bestowed upon the top 10% of leaders in the company) and got to take a wonderful all-expense paid trip to a beautiful resort a few years back. I love being able to tap both my right and left sides of the brain between my day job and my writing. It’s a perfect balance.

What are you reading right now?

One Summer by David Baldacci. Pretty cover and I love David Baldacci.

What advice would you offer to the unpublished romance writer?

Finish what you start and never give up!

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

Gosh, I’m such an open book I’m sure folks know just about everything there is to know about me. I appreciate the small things. Give me an evening with lightning bugs, pick a flower off the side of the street, snuggle a baby goat, a handwritten note…those are the kinds of things that brighten my heart.

Adams Grove is mourning the loss of Pearl Clemmons, known for her award-winning chocolate pecan pie and the best unsolicited advice in the county. When Jill returns to settle her grandmother’s estate, she’s greeted by a Clydesdale-sized guardian dog who doesn’t seem to be earning his stripes (although he drools on them pretty well), and Garrett Malloy, the ex-fiancé she left behind a year ago. Jill insists on staying at Pearl’s amidst a string of break-ins that have sleepy Adams Grove wide awake and locking its doors. Jill’s past with Garrett becomes the least of her worries when she learns that their lives are in danger. She is the only person standing between a desperate conman and a secret from Pearl’s past. Will Pearl’s past kill any chance of Jill and Garrett’s future together?

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Sable Hunter writes three types of erotic romances: cowboy, paranormal and contemporary. She writes under two different pseudonyms. Her hometown is New Orleans, Louisiana. Currently, she lives in the Hill Country of Texas, near Austin.  She is married to Jason Hunter and they live on a ranch where they take care of thousands of cows, hundreds of horses, dozens of cats and one dog.  HA!  Oh, and they are proud parents of one precious little boy!  She loves her kindle and at present it is full of almost 800 erotic romances.  She loves to cook, read, travel in their RV and ghost hunt.  In the spring, her home sits in a field of bluebonnets.

COWBOY HEAT

Aron McCoy is determined that he will never fall into another woman’s trap. He has spent his life taking care of the ranch and his brothers. Thinking that he will provide a stable home life for his siblings, he marries a money-grubbing woman who has eyes for everyone but him. So he has learned his lesson. The only thing a woman is good for is sex…until Libby comes along.

When Aron lays eyes on Libby it is instantaneous lust – he wants her with every fiber of his being. But Libby confesses her innocence and Aron backs off – he has nothing to offer a girl who deserves white lace and promises. Then Aron catches Libby pleasuring herself in the stock tank and hears her cry out his name - and the heat is on.

How long have you been writing before you sold?

I had been seriously writing for two years before I sold to Secret Cravings Publishing.  They have picked up three of my books.  I also have 6 that I have self-published successfully, so right now – I’m living in the best of both worlds.

What has been the toughest obstacle you’ve had to overcome along the way? What was the best experience you’ve had from being published?

The toughest obstacle  – gee, I’ve had a couple.  The first is my community and friends – it was so unexpected to them to find out that I wrote erotic romances.  Some did not even try to understand.  The other obstacle has been finding time to both write and promote – it seems that I have to choose – and that is hard, sometimes.

The best experience I have had is the total joy and support from other authors over my success.  I have met some of the best people in the whole world in this industry.  It is wonderful to have someone to talk to that understands.

You have written quite a few books for small press and ePublishers, how do you feel about the ePublishing explosion, and now the popularity of self-publishing?

ePublishing and self-publishing has opened doors for people to get their work in front of readers where these doors used to be very narrow and hard to open.  There are so many wonderful publishers and opportunities out there that authors should be ecstatic at the choices they have.  ePublishing is not a phase and it is going to grow by leaps and bounds. I feel that those of us who embrace it early and wholeheartedly will only benefit.

Self-publishing can provide almost instant and assured income.  You have the ability to make something happen for yourself and you succeed or fail based on how much work that you are willing to put into it.  Lately, I have been approached by several other published authors seeking my advice on self-publishing.  Given the opportunities that Amazon and some of the other big names have given the writing community, it is a very attractive option.

Are you actively pursuing NY publishers in addition to being ePublished?

No, not yet.  I want to get a few years and a few more books under my belt before I try.  Building a reader base through epublishing and self-publishing is one way to be attractive to these folks and that is what I am trying to do.

Tell us about your latest book.

My latest book is Hot On Her Trail.  It is the sequel to Cowboy Heat whose cover that you see.  This is a series set in the Hill Country of Texas about 6 cowboy brothers – the McCoys – who live on Tebow Ranch.  They are handsome, hunky, hot and – dare I say it – hung.  This series has been well received and the third in the series Her Magic Touch will debut in June.

Hot on Her Trail grabs people’s attention because the blurb states:

Jacob McCoy wishes for a wife and a family.  Tis the Season for miracles when a young woman shows up on his doorstep: homeless, in danger and expecting a child – Jacob’s child.

Their relationship is complicated by the fact that, A – they’ve never met before and B – she’s a virgin.  Jessie is determined not to be a burden to the McCoy family.  As far as she’s concerned, she is just passing through.  Jacob has a different opinion – he wants Jessie in his life, in his bed and in his
heart.

What’s up next for you? Are you currently working on a new book?

Yes, Her Magic Touch is about the third McCoy brother – Joseph.  He is paralyzed from a mountain bike accident and has lost all hope.  When his physical therapist arrives to help him, she is much more than he bargained for.  In fact, she is his guardian angel and through miracles, magic, and much love – Cady gives him back his manhood and his life.  And in the bargain – she almost loses hers.  This is a roller-coaster of emotion, hot – hot sex and more tears and laughter than you can imagine.

What do you like best about the writer’s life?

There are so many things that I like, but most of all it is meeting the other fabulous people in the industry.  Writing – especially erotic romance – attracts a special kind of person.  We are sensual, uninhibited, bold and live in a dream world of our own making.  Finding other people who can understand and support our oddities is joyous.  I also like the odd hours that the business allows.  I am a night owl and the nighttime makes my mind wander to things that – shall we say – go hump in the night.

If you weren’t a writer what would career path would you choose?

Oddly enough – it would have been public service.  I have always dreamed of being involved in political science and work in the state department.

Who or what inspires you?

There is this man . . . . . Isn’t there always?  No, several things inspire me – Elvis Presley, country music, Cinemax latenight –especially Michael Scratch on Lingerie and reading other authors works.  Inspiration is everywhere, just open your eyes and ears.

What are you reading right now?

I am reading Spurs and Heels by Heather Rainier.  I love that woman!

What advice would you offer to the unpublished romance writer?

My advice is to read everything you can get your paws on – especially books in the same genre and style that you want to write.  Then:  write your novel and go over it again and again.  Then – if you choose to go the published route start submitting and if you want to try self-publishing – go for it – it can be done.  And on the way cultivate friendships in the industry – they will prove invaluable.

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

My tastes and activities would surprise some people – mainly that I love rap and hip-hop – the beat drives me insane and makes me think of sex – but then, everything makes me think of sex.  The other thing is what I do for fun – I ghost hunt.  And I have found things. . . . . . .

To learn more about Sable, visit her online at www.sablehunter.com

Ari has always loved romance, the hotter the better. Turning up the heat level in her own writing involved closing her eyes as she typed the “good” parts, but soon she got used to using “those” words and was pleased with the result. Finding out that others enjoyed it, too, was icing on the cake!

Her stories are split between light contemporary and paranormal genres, with some BDSM in the mix for good measure. She enjoys being in a metaphysical world filled with shapeshifters and psychic gifts, but some stories just insist that sex and romance is enough.

Also writing as Aileen Fish, Ari is a member of RWA, including several chapters, and continues to work with her critique partners to make her stories the best they can be.

Leave a comment for a chance to win Ari’s eBook DEMON OF DESIRE. Lucky winner will be chosen at random. Please leave your email address if it is not included in your profile.

DEMON OF DESIRE

The only consolation Sin has for moving into her aunt’s creepy Victorian house is the handymen who come with it. Triplet vampires Baen, Gower and Enoch are yummy enough to tempt her from her self-imposed celibacy and make her forget she’s well on her way to becoming a cat lady.

The brothers instantly recognize Sin as their mate, but realize they need to ease her into the idea of being loved by three vampires. Then a sex-craving demon takes control of Sin’s body and seduces the men, forcing them to make a rash decision with her life.

The demon is banished but the desires remain. Three men might be enough to satisfy Sin, but before she can find out, the demon returns. She must face her fears and discover her true self to have a chance at eternity with her men.

Please tell us about yourself and what made you start writing?

I have always written, starting with skits in grade school, and my first attempt at a novel in junior high. I had many stops and starts along the way to publication but the characters in my head continue to insist on having their turn.

How long did it take before you were published? Was it everything that you thought it would be?

Which time? I was very lucky and sold the third short story submission I ever sent off, after revising it following suggestions from an editor who rejected it. When I got the acceptance letter and check for $9.83 (a penny a word, woohoo!), I screamed. I was standing at the mailbox in the middle of my apartment complex but didn’t care. I was an author! I let life get in the way, though, and it was another fifteen years or so before I was published again.

I don’t know what I expected from publication, to be honest, but the first time I held a book with my name on the cover, I cried. That validation, the concrete proof I was capable of turning out a story good enough to be published, felt even better than I imagined. It was no longer a dream, but a reality.

Do you love the ePublishing / small press platform and are you going to pursue traditional publishing in the future?

I do love ePublishing. The traditional houses are limited in what they can accept, and there are so many wonderful stories that don’t fit into that mold. I think readers are lucky to have so many choices now. A small part of me still thinks about submitting to the traditional pubs, but I have recently ventured into self-publishing and see that as the future. I’m not sure I have the patience to wait for agent acceptance, then publisher offers, and another year or two for release.

Can you tell us a little bit your new release? How did you come up with the idea?

Demon of Desire is a paranormal erotic romance novella about a woman who becomes possessed by a sex-hungry demon, and the choices her heroes, vampire triplets, must make in order to save her. The idea was conceived in an email loop with a group of authors, with an eye toward a vampire anthology. My story idea quickly outgrew the parameters of the anthology and I decided the setting was perfect for a series. I have three more stories in the works for the Whispering Valley series.

Do you use critique partners or do you go solely from the writing, editing, to submission?

I would not exist if it weren’t for critique partners! I’ve been so lucky to find honest writers who are willing to say what doesn’t work for them, or point out plot holes.

Do you have a daily ritual to get you in the “writing zone”?

I don’t. Which is probably why my writing is so scattered at the moment! Some days the story is shouting at me to get back to it and I get a lot accomplished. Others, I’m shouting at the distractions wishing I had a cave to crawl into so I could focus.

How do you stay inspired?

New ideas come from everywhere, seeing a person who would make a perfect hero or heroine, or watching a movie that takes turns I don’t agree with. Sometimes a minor character threatens to take over and I realize they’ll need their own story.

What is the most difficult part of your writing journey? What is the most exciting part?

I can be very undisciplined, which is not good for someone who depends on royalties for her income. I really need to learn to say “later” to distractions and get back to a structured writing day. I can say the best parts are threefold. One, seeing a book cover with your characters, title and name on it. Two, getting a royalty statement showing people are still buying and reading after the promo has died down. And most important, number three, getting those emails asking what happens after the end of the story.

What personal goals have you made for yourself this year?

I set goals for the number of releases to aim for from my publisher, plus additional books from new publishers. I haven’t done well on the “new publishers” aspect, as the ones for Ellora’s Cave are demanding so much time, but I think I’ll hit my goal for number of releases.

What is the most extreme or wildest thing you’ve done and what did you learn about yourself?

I packed up and moved to the middle of the continent, away from family and friends, a few years back. I am very family-oriented, so it was hard to not have them around, and having to rely on myself for everything. But I thrived in the long run and gained a lot of confidence.

Any last words for your readers?

The most important words: thank you! Thanks for buying my books, for participating in contests and for letting me share my fantasies with you. An author is nothing without people who enjoy her books.

What should we expect from you in the future?

I am in edits with my next release, Fighting for Control, with Ellora’s Cave. This novella is part of the 1-800-DOM-help series of BDSM erotic romance. I will also be releasing a self-published paranormal romance novella soon, Renegade Wolf. Then I hope to finish the second book in the Whispering Valley series, Beloved Familiar.

…ANGELITA GILL…

Dimitri Kros is an Inforcer, a protector vampire. He’s the best of the best because of his simplicity.

He’s tempted by no one, distracted by nothing–living–for nothing. A crippling curse forbids the touch of another; igniting only pain, no peace.

After he rescues Brynn Howard, he not only finds himself tempted and distracted, but willing to suffer just to hold her in his arms.

Brynn risks her life for the fight against evil…and now she must risk it all for the Inforcer with a cursed body and soul. Is this the kind of fight she can win?

*Angelita is giving away an eBook copy of The Untouchable to one lucky commenter. Winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. Please provide your email if it is not linked to your account. *

Please tell us about yourself and what made you start writing?

I grew up in a house full of males, but was a girly girl top to bottom. I have been writing stories since elementary school when it was quickly determined I had zero athletic ability, but boy could I spin a tale! My mom insisted I was going to be a writer or journalist some day. I didn’t start writing romance until junior high, when every cute guy I had a crush on was the absolute love of my life. I started writing out of pure obsession…and the ultimate fan of the fairy tale.

How long did it take before you were published? Was it everything that you thought it would be?

About four months after I sent out the manuscript for the The Untouchable, I was offered my first contract. Two other manuscripts were rejected before this, but I never allowed that to stop me. Writing is my dream, and getting published is the jackpot. So far, it has surpassed my expectations. It’s so exciting to see my name and story available for all to read. I have gotten more support than I ever dreamed of, and that always makes things even more amazing.

Do you love the ePublishing platform and are you going to pursue traditional publishing as well?

I do love epublishing, and am excited to have joined in at the perfect opportunity, when it’s growing incredibly hot and fast. Like many others, I think it’s only going to get bigger and more popular as time goes on. Still, there’s nothing like seeing your story in print. I will definitely pursue traditional publishing once I complete a full-length novel. I want to do it all!

Can you tell us a little bit your new release? How did you come up with the idea?

The Untouchable focuses on a hero that was cursed with the inability to touch, or be touched, without feeling pain. He’s been able to deal with it, albeit grudgingly, until he rescues the heroine. She stands for something, he stands for nothing, but yet they inspire each other. I came up with the idea by asking myself, what could be a huge challenging obstacle for an alpha male to deal with when he meets irresistible temptation? Not being able to enjoy it, that’s what!

Do you use critique partners or do you go solely from the writing, editing, to submission?

I have one awesome critique partner who lives two time zones away. I was so lucky to find her. We’re very in sync and the support is vital for me to keep writing. I find that whenever I’m stuck, all I need to talk is have a quick chat with her and I’m back on track. Then I edit again, re-read, and if everything is still flowing, submit!

Do you have a daily ritual to get you in the “writing zone”?

I don’t have a ritual other than waking up. I do require hot tea and a dark room. Writing with the lights off with a candle or two in the room is my ideal comfort zone when writing drama and love scenes. When I’m writing a paranormal story, I play house music in the background. There’s something about sexy, pulsing bass music that evokes snappy dialogue and provocative settings.

How do you stay inspired?

Writing romance has been an obsession since I can remember. I am constantly inspired because even the smallest things can trigger a story idea or a random detail. Street signs, a magazine ad, a song, the name of a nail polish…I get ideas literally everywhere. The notepad on my cell phone is full of random inspirations. When writer’s block rears its ugly head, I catch up on all the romance reading that I neglect when writing.

What is the most difficult part of your writing journey? What is the most exciting part?

The most difficult part has been deciding between what story to develop because I have many I would love to publish! Also, deciding between writing short stories, and devoting the time for a full-length novel. I want to do both, but it’s impossible to do so at the same time! The most exciting part? Knowing this is just the beginning, and that I won’t ever stop pursuing my writing career.

What personal goals have you made for yourself this year?

I want to take ballroom dance lessons, learn some French, go to the RWA conference, and do more volunteering for the Ballet company here.

What is the most extreme or wildest thing you’ve done and what did you learn about yourself?

Moving to Las Vegas on a hunch. I didn’t know anyone here, or a job waiting for me. I quit my job in Minnesota, stuffed my car to the hilt and drove out here with no real plan, just knowing it was something I had to do. Everyone thought it was crazy. It was the best decision I ever made. I learned that listening to my instincts and going for what I really want is not only necessary, but worth the risk. I was the only one stopping from making it happen. When I arrived, I got a job, met the love of my life, made friendships of a lifetime, and am now living my dream by writing every day. I am very blessed.

Any last words for your readers?

I want to torture you, then make you shiver and smile.

What should we expect from you in the future?

Currently I am working on fantasy novella romance which will be complete soon. I have 2 manuscripts that are on submission, both are contemporary novellas. I then want to complete the first book in my full-length paranormal series that has been dominating my sleepless nights for so long. I have heroes standing in line waiting for their story to be told…and their heroine to be claimed.

Angelita has been obsessed with writing since handed the #2 pencil and given her first VHS tape of Dirty Dancing. She writes paranormal and contemporary romance, and The Untouchable is her first e-publication through Cobblestone Press. When she’s not torturing her hero and heroine, she’s spending time with her own alpha male, learning how to play texas hold ‘em, volunteering for the ballet, and shopping for vintage dresses.

To learn more about Angelita, read excerpts and blurbs, visit her online at http://vegasromantic.blogspot.com.

KC Burn writes gay erotic romance for Loose Id and Carina Press.  She had two books out with Loose Id (MIA Case Files: Wolfsbane and MIA Case Files: Blood Relations) and her Carina Press book, SPICE ‘N’ SOLACE, releases out March 14.

To learn more about KC, read excerpts and blurbs, visit her online at www.kcburn.com.

Every year, Jathan One-Moon faces increasing pressure that he marry and have children. What Jathan really wants is a male mate that can enjoy both playful sex and his more dominant nature. To tame his stress, Jathan orders a male escort from Spice ‘n’ Solace, the premier male brothel in the Galactic Alliance—and is thrilled to be sent a man whose air of innocence and obvious desire for Jathan arouse him like never before.

Jathan doesn’t know he has mistaken Kazha Deinos, the owner of Spice ‘n’ Solace, as his escort. Kaz doesn’t intend to pleasure Jathan personally, but his powerful masculinity is irresistible. Kaz has dreamed of a man who’d take charge and indulge his hidden cravings—a man just like Jathan.

With their explosive passion and unexpected tenderness, Jathan and Kaz soon want to stay together—if Jathan’s position and Kaz’s secrets don’t tear them apart…

*KC is giving away a $10 gift certificate to ARE or Amazon to one randomly selected commenter — Please provide your email address if it is not linked to your profile. Winner will notified via email unless we announce it on the site. *

Why do you write gay erotic romance?

I’ve been writing for a while, and I’ve got completed (yet to be published) manuscripts in various genres — romance has always featured prominently, even if it wasn’t the primary genre.  But, I’ve always had difficulty writing sex scenes — made me extremely uncomfortable.  So, one day I decided I should write an erotic romance to try and see if I could get past the discomfort.  I came up with a storyline, but in the course of plotting and planning, I realized the central conflict between the two protagonists would be that much more poignant if they were both men.

Since I’d already decided on writing an erotic romance, I’d written gay characters in other manuscripts, and I’d read a few gay romances, I jumped in with both feet and went with a gay erotic romance — which ended up as MIA Case Files: Wolfsbane.  I wrote the pivotal sex scene, where Adam and Carmichael first get together, before anything else.  You know, just to make sure I could manage it.  It was surprisingly enjoyable and incredibly freeing.  Which is when I came to the conclusion that sex scenes made me uncomfortable because I’m worried people will think whatever woman I’m writing about is me.  With two guys, there’s no real danger of that.  Suddenly, the book just took off — it was the most fun I’d had writing in a long time, which is saying something because I do love writing.

Also, conflict is the driving force behind any novel, whether it’s conflict from outside sources or whether it’s from internal conflict.  Although I personally wish acceptance was a non-issue, from an author’s point of view, the struggle of gay men and women to be accepted in society, accepted by law, accepted by the people who love them, or even to accept themselves, has very rich, emotionally laden possibilities for conflict.

And most of the stuff I write has paranormal or futuristic aspects.   Probably due to the fact that I grew up reading sword & sorcery fantasy and watching sci-fi movies.  The Belgariad by David Eddings was the first series of books I loved, and Star Wars was the first movie I remember watching.  You never forget your first loves, right?

Do you think after reading your novel any of your readers or fans would be surprised to find out you are a heterosexual woman?

From what I understand, many authors of gay erotic romance are straight women.  Why this is, I’m not in a position to say, although I suspect it may have something to do with the fact that women are more likely to write romance.  Also, many of the authors who write in this genre feel as I do – that love between consenting adults should be celebrated, regardless of gender.  I’m given to understand that the readers of these books are split about 50-50 between gay men and straight women.  So, I can’t deny there may also be a wee bit of “if one hot guy is good, two is better” involved.  But ultimately, I don’t believe the gender or sexuality of the author should have any influence on the legitimacy of the story.

Does your husband and friends know what you write?  Or care?

I write what I need to write.  Like many authors, I hear voices in my head.  The characters demand that their stories be written, and whichever voices are loudest get their stories out first.  My decision to write an erotic romance undoubtedly influenced which characters spoke loudest, because in erotic romance, the sexual relationship needs to be pivotal to the story.  It’s not just a case of stuffing sex scenes into the story haphazardly.  Certain characters and storylines I have ideas for are not particularly suited to the erotic romance genre.

Being a married, straight woman has very little to do with it, except for the fact that my husband was not the first person to read the Wolfsbane manuscript, as he had been with all my previous stories.  I had a gay male friend read it first, to make sure it wasn’t a complete crock of sh–.  The first time I saw him after he read it, he fanned himself and asked if I’d been a gay man in a previous life — I was pretty sure I’d, ahem, nailed it.

Then I told my husband.  Who was, as I expected, extremely supportive.  He’s one of my best editors, and so he helped me with this manuscript as well.  As a straight, married woman, I admit to being extremely thankful that my husband did not find it arousing at all!

Most of my friends know what I write also, and I think it actually amuses most of them to be able to tell other people about it — in fact, besides my husband, I’ve had three of my straight male friends read what I’ve written.  I think my favourite quote from one of them was “Apart from the gay love substory which did nothing for me (excellently written and detailed though it was), the Umbrae/werewolf storyline was very well done.”  My parents also know.  Most of my coworkers do not know, however.

Do you think you were able really put yourself into that experience in an authentic manner?

This is a question I get a lot.  I’ve also read that there are those who don’t believe straight women should be writing gay fiction of any sort.  Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, of course, but here’s the way I see it.  Authors have vivid imaginations.  Authors always have to imagine themselves in another’s point of view, often someone of a different gender.  They have to imagine, and make the reader believe in, a character whose experiences, beliefs, background, culture, family, job and emotions are different from their own.

I don’t believe every author who has written about a sexually or physically abused character has necessarily been abused themselves.  I don’t believe that every author who has written about abducted characters, or emotionally disturbed characters or serial killers has personal experience of the same.  If they did, it wouldn’t be fiction, it would be a memoir.

Now, that’s not to say an author’s own life experiences don’t influence themes and characterization.  Most of the manuscripts I’ve written have themes based on betrayal and abuse of trust.  I know this is a direct result of my own particular hang-ups.  But I don’t believe for a second that an author needs to experience something to be able to write about it believably.

Romance authors regularly write about men having sex, often quite graphically.  Do I know, truly, what it’s like for a man to have sex with a woman?  Nope.  But as far as I’m concerned, it’s not that much more of a stretch for me to imagine a man having sex with another man.  If I have questions, I’ve got friends I can ask, and there’s also the handy-dandy internet.  I get as big a thrill from a reader telling me how much they loved one of my characters as I do from them saying the sex was hot.  Because that means I’ve done my job — created the believable from nothing but my imagination.

How are you able to make the romance genuine?

I’ve spent a lot of time trying to learn the craft of writing.  I don’t believe I’ve learned all there is to know — I fully expect writing to be a lifelong learning experience.  I’ve tried to assimilate, from reading thousands of books both good and bad, what works and what doesn’t.  I love what I write, and my characters become real to me.  And I think that’s one of the keys to a good story, and assist in making the romance genuine.  The characters have to be relatable and sympathetic.  The conflict has to be believable and not just the result of a misunderstanding, otherwise the book will read like a poorly written Friends episode.   The basic internal conflicts in Wolfsbane are Adam wanting to be accepted for who he is, and Carmichael being afraid to let anyone know who he really is.  In Blood Relations, it’s the effect of secrets and lies on Cooper and Frazer’s relationship.  In Spice ‘n’ Solace, both Jathan and Kaz need to be able to stand up for themselves and what they want while being proud of who they are.  I think many of those issues have been experienced by all of us, at one time or another.

What’s next for you?

I currently have 3 manuscripts complete and on submission, and another 2 in progress.  They are all gay romances, although one of them is a little light on the erotic bit… just didn’t fit the story.  But that isn’t to say I’ve completely given up on heterosexual romances.  I have a manuscript I intend to finish this summer and submit, because I’d like to reach a larger audience with my writing, and I’d also like to stop in at my local bookstore and see my book featured prominently.  That is unlikely to happen anytime soon with my gay romances, although I wish that were not the case.